Van der Poel, despite being just 24, is one of the favourites to take the rainbow bands in a sensational season that saw him win Amstel Gold Race and De Brabantse Pijl among his six victories on the road this year. He also took three UCI Mountain Bike World Cup victories this summer, taking a break from the road following Amstel Gold.

The women’s team will be clear favourites to deliver victory in their 150km race from Bradford to Harrogate. Three-time world champion Marianne Vos and defending champion Anna van der Breggen both feature, as does two-time world time trial champion Annemiek van Vleuten and 2017 road race champion Chantal Blaak.

Perhaps the most surprising omission from the team is Lorena Wiebes, who misses out despite sitting top of the UCI World Ranking and taking 15 wins this season. The remaining places in the team are taken by Amy Pieters, Floortje Mackaij, Lucinda Brand and Demi Vollering.

For the time trials, Van Vleuten, Van der Breggen and Brand will ride in the 30km women’s race, while Van Baarle and Van Emden ride in the 54km men’s race.